The BariNation Podcast

Clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman, PhD joins BariNation hosts April Williams and Jason Smith to discuss the psychological and behavioral tools every person needs to navigate life's hardest moments, especially those living with the chronic disease of obesity.Drawing from her new book When Life Happens, Dr. Goldman breaks down CBT into accessible, actionable tools for building emotional resilience, managing stress, challenging unhelpful thoughts, and developing a growth mindset. Essential listening for bariatric surgery patients, anyone managing chronic illness, and anyone stuck between knowing what to do and actually doing it.This episode is supported by AdventHealth Central Florida and the Metabolic Health Institute. If you've struggled with weight loss, you know it's a lifelong journey. At AdventHealth's Metabolic Health Institute, they address the root cause of weight gain with a whole-health approach, from lifestyle support and medication to bariatric surgery. Learn more at http://www.AdventHealthWeightLoss.comWhat You'll Learn:Build a Mental Health Toolbox — One tool is never enough. Dr. Goldman explains why you need at least three coping strategies and the critical difference between self-care tools (preventative) and stress management tools (acute), and why they're actually the same tools used with different intention.The CBT Core: Your thoughts don't just feel bad, they directly shape your behavior. Dr. Goldman walks through how identifying unhelpful thoughts, examining the evidence, and reframing can rewire the brain over time through neuroplasticity. The goal isn't to eliminate negative thoughts; it's to reduce how long you stay in them. Cognitive Distortions That KeepYou Stuck — All-or-nothing thinking, jumping to conclusions, and "should" statements are three of the most common distortions in people with obesity. Dr. Goldman explains how CBT helps patients identify, challenge, and reframe these patterns instead of accepting them as truth. The Diet Failed You.You Did Not Fail the Diet. — A powerful reframe Dr. Goldman used with bariatric patients at Bellevue: the surgery failed the patient, not the other way around. This directly challenges the internalized shame that comes from years of failed diets and reframes it through the lens of obesity as a complex, chronic, progressive disease.Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset — Years of "nothing works" can create an entrenched fixed mindset. Dr. Goldman connects Carol Dweck's research to the lived experience of obesity patients and explores how flexible thinking and self-compassion begin to shift the pattern.Toxic Positivity: What It Is and Why It's Harmful — "Positive vibes only" invalidates real experience and suppresses important emotions. Dr. Goldman explains the spectrum from toxic positivity to toxic negativity, where healthy realistic optimism lives, and why body acceptance is more sustainable than body positivity for bariatric patients.Self-Care Is Not a Bubble Bath — Self-care is anything you do for yourself that is preventative and builds you up before life happens. Showing up to a support group, listening to a podcast, sleeping, and breathing exercises all count. It's a non-negotiable daily practice, not a reward.Imposter Syndrome as a Feature, Not a Bug — The most surprising reframe of the episode: imposter syndrome may actually be useful. Dr. Goldman explains eustress (positive, motivating stress) and why a measured level of imposter syndrome drives preparation, humility, and growth. April and Jason share deeply personal experiences of imposter syndrome in bariatric advocacy.Community, Vulnerability, and Asking for Help — The people who feel they have no right to take up space in a support group are often the ones who need it most. Asking for help is brave, not weak.Practice Your Tools Before You Need Them — Like a fire drill, tools must be practiced in calm moments so the response is automatic when life gets hard.📖 When Life Happens by Dr. Rachel Goldman: whenlifehappensbook.com 🔗 Dr. Goldman: @DrRachelNYC | BariNation: barination.org | @bari.nation Hosts: April @actively_april | Jason @tha_smithsonian_Supported by AdventHealth Central Florida and the Metabolic Health Institute. Whole-health obesity care from lifestyle support to bariatric surgery. AdventHealthWeightLoss.comBariNation Foundation*is a 501c3 nonprofit advancing metabolic wellness through evidence-based education and stigma-free support. Donate at barination.org #BariatricSurgery#MentalHealth #CBT #WhenLifeHappens #DrRachelGoldman #ObesityMedicine #BariNation #GrowthMindset #StressManagement #ToxicPositivity #ImposterSyndrome #BodyNeutrality #WeightLoss #BariatricSurgery #MentalHealth #CBT #GrowthMindset #wls #wlscommunity

In this engaging conversation, Aimee Rothe, a board-certified bariatric nurse and post-op bariatric patient, shares her journey from being a medical provider who sought treatment for her obesity after a harrowing experience with a patient, when she was over 400 lbs, to being a provider in the field of obesity care.She emphasizes the importance of normalizing obesity treatment, individualizing care for patients, and overcoming the stigma associated with weight loss surgery and onboarding adjunct treatments such as GLP-1’s. The discussion highlights the emotional challenges faced by patients post-surgery, the role of support groups, and the need for ongoing care and understanding from healthcare providers.Aimee advocates for a compassionate approach to obesity treatment, encouraging patients to seek help and not feel ashamed of their journey.Keywordsbariatric surgery, weight loss surgery, VSG, Gastric Bypass, metabolic syndrome, SADI-s, obesity care, individualized treatment, patient support, emotional health, chronic condition, healthcare, normalization, weight loss, patient-provider relationship, GLP-1, Type 2 diabetes remission, sleep apnea, PCOS, high blood pressureTakeawaysObesity is a chronic medical condition, not a failure of willpower.Bariatric surgery should be viewed as a treatment, not a last resort.Individualized care is crucial for effective obesity treatment.Patients should not feel ashamed or stigmatized for seeking help.Support groups play a vital role in the emotional journey post-surgery.The journey of weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint.It's important to normalize conversations about struggles with obesity.Patients should maintain open communication with their providers.Utilizing multiple treatment modalities is acceptable and necessary.Healthcare providers must understand the complexities of obesity and support their patients.Chapters04:55 Meet Amy Rothe: A Journey from Patient to Provider08:25 Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Condition11:55 The Importance of Individualized Care in Obesity Treatment16:06 Normalizing Conversations Around Obesity and Treatment20:24 The Role of Support Groups in Bariatric Care25:56 Navigating Body Image and Relationships Post-Surgery30:12 The Emotional Journey of Bariatric Surgery35:08 Understanding the Reality of Uncomfortable Situations38:15 Breaking Points and the Decision for Surgery42:34 The Importance of Individualized Care in Obesity Treatment47:39 Normalizing Multiple Modalities of TreatmentGuest BioAimee Rothe, BSN, RN, CBN, CEN, TCRN, NHDP-BC serves as the Hospital Program Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Under her leadership, the program maintains multiple national recognitions, including designation as a BCBS Blue Distinction Plus Center for Bariatric Surgery, an Aetna Institute of Quality for Bariatric Surgery, an Optum Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, and an American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Comprehensive Center. Aimee is a Certified Bariatric Nurse and is active within the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She serves on multiple national committees, represents the nursing discipline as a Member-at-Large on the ASMBS Integrated Health Leadership Council, and acts as the Integrated Health Board Liaison for the ASMBS Alabama State Chapter. In 2017, Aimee underwent bariatric surgery to address her own chronic medical condition. That experience strengthened her commitment to guiding patients through the bariatric and obesity medicine journey while advocating for recognition of obesity as a chronic, treatable disease. Her work centers on improving patient outcomes, strengthening evidence-based education, and advancing best practices in metabolic health management. She is also focused on building stronger collaboration across medical specialties, expanding outreach efforts that encourage earlier intervention, coordinated care, and open dialogue about obesity and its associated conditions.LinksAimee Rothe Contact Informationmizzerrn@gmail.comWeightManagementUABStVincentsBariNation Membership Community: BariNation.mn.coThe BariNation Podcast is a production of the BariNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that advances metabolic wellness for people living with obesity by providing evidence-based education, stigma-free support, and meaningful connections in the moments that shape daily life. The Foundation's mission is to walk alongside individuals pursuing medical, surgical, and comprehensive care, supporting real decisions, challenges, and victories that influence long-term health with the support and guidance of obesity medicine experts.Learn more about the BariNation Foundation and make a tax-deductible donation by going to BariNation.org

The BariNation Podcast is a production of the BariNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that advances metabolic wellness for people living with obesity by providing evidence-based education, stigma-free support, and meaningful connections in the moments that shape daily life. The Foundation's mission is to walk alongside individuals pursuing medical, surgical, and comprehensive care, supporting real decisions, challenges, and victories that influence long-term health with the support and guidance of obesity medicine experts.Learn more about the BariNation Foundation and make a tax-deductible donation by clicking HERE going to BariNation.orgIn this conversation, April Williams and Katie Booker, licensed therapist and bariatric patient, explore the critical connection between the mind and body, particularly in the context of bariatric surgery. They discuss the importance of recognizing disconnection, identifying signs of it, and the strategies to reconnect. The conversation emphasizes the role of community support in the healing journey and provides practical tips for movement and mindset. The overarching theme is that transformation is a continuous journey, requiring patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to engage with one's body and emotions.KeywordsObesity, Bariatric Surgery, Advocacy, Healthcare Barriers, Community Support, Patient Stories, BariNation Foundation, Metabolic Surgery, Roux-enY, Gastric Bypass, VSG, Gastric Sleeve, DS, Duodenal Switch, SADI-S, Obesity Medications, GLP1’s, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Mind-body Connection, emotional health, mindfulness, self-compassion, Healing Journey, Weight Loss, Disconnection, Personal GrowthTakeawaysOur bodies and minds are designed to be connected.Disconnection can manifest in various ways, especially for bariatric patients.Identifying signs of disconnection is crucial for healing.Mindful movement can help re-establish the mind-body connection.Community support is essential for emotional healing and growth.Self-compassion is key in the journey of transformation.It's important to recognize that transformation is a lifelong process.You can always start again, no matter where you are in your journey.Practicing mindfulness can enhance awareness of hunger and fullness cues.It's okay to feel conflicting emotions at the same time.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Mind-Body Connection08:43 Understanding Disconnection in Bariatric Patients16:16 Identifying Signs of Disconnection22:50 Strategies for Reconnecting Mind and Body24:30 Understanding the Body-Mind Connection30:22 Recognizing Trauma and Its Impact35:42 The Journey of Reconnection42:47 Embracing Self-Compassion and Healing48:30 Navigating Emotions and Self-Compassion50:00 The Four Pillars of Bariatric Success52:04 Mindful Movement and Body Awareness55:40 Mindset Strategies for Reconnection01:01:22 The Role of Community in Healing01:04:58 The Journey of Transformation and PatienceKatie Booker BioKatie is a mental health therapist in New York State that specializes in trauma. She is certified in EMDR, is a registered play therapist, and completes bariatric psychological evaluations for pre-surgery approval. She offers a unique perspective to the mindset work of bariatric surgery as a bariatric patient herself.PDF of Katie's Class: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IslQ-N59bmE7ZY7yaeni9K7O6IH_4rWw/view?usp=sharing

The BariNation FoundationThe BariNation Podcast is a production of the BariNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that advances metabolic wellness for people living with obesity by providing evidence-based education, stigma-free support, and meaningful connections in the moments that shape daily life. The Foundation's mission is to walk alongside individuals pursuing medical, surgical, and comprehensive care, supporting real decisions, challenges, and victories that influence long-term health, with the guidance of obesity medicine experts.Learn more about the BariNation Foundation and make a tax-deductible donation by going to BariNation.orgEpisode SummaryIn this episode, April Williams and Monique Coleman, a bariatric patient and Certified Fitness Instructor and BariNation community member, discuss the many barriers faced by women in the Black and Brown communities in navigating family and cultural bias in their journey to access bariatric care. The importance of representation, the power of community support in overcoming stigma and misconceptions about obesity, and treatment options are key to changing perceptions faced by those battling the disease now and for future generations.KeywordsObesity, Bariatric Surgery, Black and Brown Community, Representation, Advocacy, Healthcare Barriers, Community Support, Race and Health, Patient Stories, BariNation Foundation, Metabolic Surgery, Roux-enY, Gastric Bypass, VSG, Gastric Sleeve, DS, Duodenal Switch, SADI-S, Obesity Medications, GLP1’s, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, ZepboundKey Takeaways from the Conversation:Representation Matters: Individuals are more likely to engage with resources when they see others who share similar backgrounds and experiences.Breaking the Stigma: Obesity is a lifelong disease, not a moral failing. Treatment options like Roux-en-Y or VSG should be accessible and stigma-free.The Power of Advocacy: Sharing your personal story can empower others to reclaim their lives and advocate for the care they deserve.Community is Everything: Finding a safe space—like the BariNation Foundation—can help overcome the isolation often felt during a health journey.Guest Name & BioMonique Coleman is a Wellness & Motivation Coach for Women Over 40, founder of Curvy Fit Fitness & Healthy Living With Monique, and a bariatric surgery and GLP-1 wellness advocate. At 46, she empowers midlife women to stop procrastinating, move their bodies with confidence, and feel good in their skin again.Five years post-bariatric surgery and navigating perimenopause, Monique combines mindset, movement, and real-life strategy to help women break free from shame, food noise, and self-doubt. Through fitness events, virtual programs, speaking, and community building, she creates safe spaces for women to heal, grow, and show up boldly in the second half of life.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:47 Representation and Community06:37 Cultural Barriers to Treatment10:50 Reclaiming Life After Surgery12:42 The Journey of Self-Discovery15:22 Overcoming Barriers to Care17:45 The Role of Community Support19:51 Understanding Obesity as a Disease21:30 Advocating for Yourself23:42 The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare25:47 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery27:45 Individualized Health Journeys29:20 The Importance of Representation in Healthcare31:21 Documenting the Bariatric Journey33:38 Navigating Cultural Barriers in Health35:16 Empowerment Through Advocacy39:20 Understanding Obesity as a Disease41:00 The Role of Community in Healing44:08 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations52:31 Sharing Your Story as EmpowermentResourcesBariNation Foundation - barination.orgSupport This Work, Become a Donor- https://barination.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/8NDR96EKBariNation Support Community- https://barination.mn.coMonique Coleman's Social Media - IG @healthylivingwithmonique1Community Room Zoom Link- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84398962120

Today changes everything.In this special episode of the BariNation Podcast, we officially announce the launch of the BariNation Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people fighting the chronic disease of obesity.Founded by patients, built by patients, and guided by experts, the BariNation Foundation exists to bring knowledge, community, and hope together, without barriers.In this episode, April Williams is joined by co-founders Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney, along with Melanie Lindell, Christine Mason, and Lori Dustin, to share:✔ Why BariNation transitioned into a nonprofit✔ What 501(c)(3) status means for patients✔ How this expands access to lifelong obesity care✔ Why patient voice must remain central in obesity treatment✔ The future of bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, and metabolic care✔ How you can become a Foundational DonorOur MissionThe BariNation Foundation exists to bring knowledge, community, and hope together to support people fighting the disease of obesity.We are treatment-agnostic and committed to supporting individuals pursuing:Bariatric surgeryGLP-1 medicationsMedical obesity treatmentLifestyle-based treatmentLong-term metabolic careOur VisionA future where there are no barriers to accessing lifelong obesity care and support, financial, educational, technological, or systemic.Our ValuesPeople FirstScience Over StigmaCommunity as CareAccess Without BarriersPartnership & IntegrityHope with HonestyWhy This MattersMore than 100 million Americans live with obesity.Hundreds of thousands undergo bariatric surgery each year.Millions are navigating GLP-1 medications and metabolic treatment.And too many are doing it alone.The BariNation Foundation is building a bridge between:PatientsCliniciansResearchersIndustryAnd real-world lived experienceSupport the MissionAs a 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible where state law allows.Become a Foundational Donor and help eliminate barriers to obesity care.🔗 https://barination.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/8NDR96EKEvery deductible dollar goes directly toward:Podcast educationCommunity support groupsAdvocacyFree educational resourcesPatient access initiativesThank you for watching, sharing, and supporting the BariNation Podcast and now, the BariNation Foundation. We could not do this without your support and we are deeply grateful for you.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – The Big Announcement05:00 – Why Nonprofit Status Matters10:00 – Patient Voice at ASMBS15:00 – Expanding Support Beyond Bariatric Surgery20:00 – Sustainability & Financial Stewardship30:00 – Our Mission, Vision & Values35:00 – How to Support the Foundation